ow in any city in the world. Every year some
new species of entertainment is devised by some leader in society, and
repeated throughout the season by every one who can raise the money to
pay for it. The variety, however, is chiefly in the name, for all
parties, breakfasts, dinners, suppers, or receptions are alike.

Of late years it is becoming common not to give entertainments at one's
residence, but to hire public rooms set apart for that purpose. There is
a large house in the upper part of Fifth avenue, which is fitted up
exclusively for the use of persons giving balls, suppers, or receptions.
It is so large that several entertainments can be held at the same time
on its different floors, without either annoying or inconveniencing the
others. The proprietor of the establishment provides everything down to
the minutest detail, the wishes and tastes of the giver of the
entertainment being scrupulously respected in everything. The host and
hostess, in consequence, have no trouble, but have simply to be on hand
at the proper time to receive their guests. This is a very expensive
mode of entertaining, and costs from 5000 to 15,000 dollars, for the
caterer expects a liberal profit on everything he provides; but to those
who can afford it, it is a very sensible plan. It saves an immense
amount of trouble at home, and preserves one's carpets and furniture from
the damage invariably done to them on such occasions, and averts all
possibility of robbery by the strange servants one is forced to employ.
Still, many who possess large and elegant mansions of their own prefer to
entertain at their own homes.

On such occasions, the lady giving the entertainment issues her
invitations, and usually summons the famous Brown, the Sexton of Grace
Church, to assist her in deciding who shall be asked beyond her immediate
circle of friends. Mr. Brown is a very tyrant in such matters, and makes
out the list to suit himself rather than to please the hostess. He has
full authority from her to invite any distinguished strangers who may be
in the city.

Upon the evening appointed a carpet is spread from the curbstone to the
front door, and over this is placed a temporary awning. A policeman is
engaged to keep off the crowd and regulate the movements of the
carriages. About nine o'clock magnificent equipages, with drivers and
footmen in livery, commence to arrive, and from these gorgeous vehicles
richly dressed ladies and gentlemen a